A true must on any polar expedition is the polar plunge. To be honest, I wasn’t too enthused to jump into icy water but I am so glad I did. Twice. Now, I’ve jumped into glacial lakes in Montana but the sheer thought of the Arctic water was daunting. I had no idea how cold I would really feel and I was happy to be pleasantly surprised. The water was only 38F in Greenland and 35F in Canada.
Karrat Fjord hosted our first experience. After a spectacular day of hiking and exploring, we changed into our suits. Walked up to the Aurora Lounge in our bathrobes and chanted “Polar Plunge” as a group on our way down to the zodiac gangway. In a line, we waited for our chance to jump into the water and then let the current carry us to the next gangway to climb out of the water.
My nerves were on high alert and I was so excited to get it over with. My turn came, I yelled “Pura Vida” and dove in. The initial shock was terrible but I quickly warmed up as my head came out of the water. I swam to the gangway and pulled myself out. Smiling from ear to ear, I was given a warm towel and a shot of vodka for a congratulatory toast. My energy also reset and I was ready for another adventure.
The group of plungers was large enough that we asked the staff to please try to fit in a second plunge in Canadian waters. We were able to receive this chance while cruising in Croker Bay. That afternoon, a smaller group took turns diving in. I thought “I must be crazy to do this twice” but it was still spectacular! Warm towels greeted us again with a treat of rum to warm us up.
We received our green glove and patch for our plunges. Proud to say we have done it twice!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.